Leon Mar’s Again, recorded over a decade between 2000 to 2010, marks a bold and unexpected shift from his established roots in the Drum and Bass world. Known for pushing boundaries within breakbeat and electronic genres, Leon Mar takes a step into new territory on this album, blending a fusion of styles that range from Broken Beat to Drum and Bass. Yet, this release isn’t about reinforcing his past – it’s about experimenting, taking risks, and showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and musician.
The album’s centerpiece, the haunting and introspective title track "Again" featuring Lincoln Jeane-Marie, stands out for its emotional depth and genre-defying approach. Featuring a string quartet, acoustic guitar, and solo vocal, this track feels worlds away from the frenetic energy of Drum and Bass. It’s a somber meditation on self-doubt and anxiety, building tension with each note, yet somehow resolves on a hopeful note with a final major chord, offering a sense of optimism that lingers long after the song fades. The beauty of "Again" lies in its simplicity, yet the rich instrumentation and vulnerable lyrics create an emotional resonance that makes it the album’s most compelling moment.
Beyond the title track, Again weaves together a collective of talented musicians and vocalists, which adds depth and richness to the project. Leon Mar’s ability to collaborate with such a diverse group of artists shows his versatility and knack for bringing out the best in others. The songs, mostly driven by vocals, reveal his talent for songwriting, an area he had previously kept in the background of his career. While he remains rooted in the breakbeat genre, Again sees him experimenting with organic instrumentation and more melodic song structures, something that might surprise fans of his earlier, more electronic-heavy works.
The album's range of styles, from the intricate rhythms of Broken Beat to the more familiar Drum and Bass undercurrents, keeps the listener engaged and showcases Leon Mar’s deep understanding of the breakbeat genre’s many facets. Tracks like "Reach The Sky" featuring Jill Alexander still carry his signature edge, with tight production and rhythmic complexity, but overall, the album feels less focused on moving dance floors and more on emotional storytelling.
While Again shines as a studio album, the intended live performances never materialised, which is a shame. The collective of musicians involved, paired with Leon Mar’s vision for the project, could have resulted in a unique and powerful live experience. However, due to overlapping commitments from those involved, touring became an impossible dream. In some ways, this adds an aura of exclusivity and intimacy to the album, making it feel like a project that exists purely in its recorded form, never to be fully realised on stage.
Overall, Again represents an exciting and daring departure for Leon Mar. By stepping away from the high-energy Drum and Bass scene he’s known for, he explores new emotional and musical landscapes, proving that his artistry isn’t limited to one genre. This album is more reflective, more vulnerable, and more intricate than anything he’s done before. For fans of his earlier work, Again may be an unexpected left turn, but it’s one worth taking. It offers a glimpse into a more contemplative side of Leon Mar, showcasing his skill as a songwriter and his ability to craft songs that are as beautiful as they are complex.
In the end, Again isn’t just a break from the past – it’s a leap forward. It demonstrates that Leon Mar’s artistic vision extends far beyond the confines of Drum and Bass, into a realm where acoustic instruments and raw emotion are just as important as breakbeats and bass lines. This album is a standout in his discography, a risk that paid off in the form of something truly unique and unforgettable.
credits
released October 1, 2024
Lead Vocals : Lincoln Jeane-Marie, Samantha Scott, Jill Alexander.
Backing Vocals : All the above and Leon Mar
Drums: Alex Toff ( 2,3,5,8,9)
Percussion : Gary Foot
Guitar and Bass : Leon Mar
Electric piano : Michelle Chiavarini
Keyboards and Synthesizers : Michelle Chiavarini, Leon mar, Dan Wood, Aline Khanamirain
Sax and Flute : Gary Foot
Trumpet : Dave Priseman
String Quartet : Monaco Strings (5)
Violin and Viola : Elliot Mackrell (10)
Written and produced by Leon Mar
Cover artwork by Natan Heber
Leon Mar, is a musician best known for his alternately jazzy and uplifting Drum'n'Bass and extreme, focused Darkcore. He has
been producing dance tracks since the early 90s. Leon rode a fast track to notoriety through a string of acclaimed releases for 4Hero's noted Reinforced label, recording such tracks as "Liquid Earth," "Silent Running," and "The Beckoning" under his own name and as Arcon 2....more
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